The rest of the story

Do you remember this beautiful picture and verse I shared recently?

It turns out that the rose in the vase has a story behind it.

The rose bush which these beauties came from is a cherished plant.

The family who own it adopted a little girl many years ago.

They love her just for who she is.

And who she is, is incredible.

Although she has learning disabilities, she is a sweet gentle spirit.

She loves her family and she loves Jesus.

Her generosity is a mile wide.

You might wonder how she shows her generous spirit.

When she was 6 years old, her mother gave her the rose bush.

It was her job to care for it, water it, and basically be responsible for it.

She’s cared for this rose for 33 years.

It has bloomed and thrived.

This is where the generous heart is shown.

After all the love and care she has given the rose, she doesn’t keep it to herself.

She often and joyously cuts blooms and gives them away.

Not only are these beautiful flowers, but they give off a heavenly scent.

The flowers in the vase were one of the many offerings of love the girl grown into a lady, has given.

She hasn’t allowed the things others would call “difficulties” to cripple her spirit or dampen her joy.

Instead, she freely gives of what she has.

What a blessing!

May we take her example and find opportunities to give from what we have for the love of others and the joy of the Lord.

Sweetness

The honey bee finds food here and we find food from the honey bee.

Sweetness in food is good, but sweetness in spirit is better.

How does one find sweetness in this life?

Where is the best place to find those things which make up a sweet spirit?

Peace, gentleness, kindness, thoughtfulness, genuine compassion,
love.

These things are difficult to find in the marketplace.

It’s amazing that with the variety of items for purchase, kindness cannot be.

Gentleness is not a garment which can be worn at will.

True love which gives and sacrifices without looking for personal gain is precious indeed, yet no amount of money will secure it.

Thoughtfulness takes careful training and continual practice to be a daily reaction.

Yet, as difficult as these things are to find, the world would certainly be a howling wilderness without them.

Where do they come from?

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV

So the most valuable items are not for sale.

Instead God offers them to us freely.

The only way to truly walk in these things is to be in close personal relationship with God Almighty.

It doesn’t happen over night.

It doesn’t come upon demand.

It’s a by-product of self-to-death and God-as-Lord.

When Jesus Christ is the very fabric of a person then there will be these things present also.

“Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the most priceless gifts. I’ve never known a time when I couldn’t find peace in Your arms or gentleness in Your comfort. When I’m struggling You give me the  self-control I’m lacking. When I’m tired of the battle You give me long-suffering and love abundantly, for I know every battle against evil is worthwhile, please help me to remember we do not fight flesh and blood. Your goodness sustains me when all the World seems full of wrong. Thank You, Father. Thank You!”